Sharing Musical Skills: Antigua and Barbuda!

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The Commonwealth Resounds is delighted to share musical experiences with young musicians in Antigua and Barbuda. In collaboration with UK conservatoires and specialist music schools, we have supported the nurturing of young musical talent in the islands of Antigua and Barbuda following the devastating Hurricane Irma in 2017.

In 2019, as part of the Commonwealth’s 70th Anniversary celebrations, we created an exciting new training/skill-sharing programme for young musicians with the High Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda, the Royal Over-Seas League and the Purcell School for Young Musicians.

During the Pandemic, visits to the island were limited; however, we are delighted to be returning with a new generation of musicians in 2023 – watch this space for updates!

Hurricane Irma hit Antigua

6th September 2017
06 September 2017
12:00 AM

Commonwealth Resounds began their first project

September 2017
September 30, 2017
12:00 AM

First meeting of Alison Cox MBE & Karen-Mae Hill, High Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda

The Antigua project starts to take shape
April 2018
April 02, 2018
12:00 AM

First international musician visits

July 7th -18th 2019
July 06, 2019
12:00 AM

Go Compose Antigua!

July 2019
July 10, 2019
12:00 AM

Pandemic online tuition

2020-2023
Many of the young musicians who travelled to Antigua in July remained in touch with Karen-Mae and ABYSO and continued teaching the young people online.
January 01, 2021
12:00 AM

Return to Antigua planned

2023

The team assembles and begins to plan the first return trip after the pandemic to collaborate with the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra (ABYSO)
October 09, 2022
12:00 AM

Project news

Meet Lucy Rowan

Meet Lucy Rowan

Meet our flautist

Hear how Lucy Rowan, a flautist from Scotland, is looking forward to inspiring young musicians in Antigua.
Find out more about our 2024 Antigua Trip

Lucy Rowan

We are thrilled to introduce Lucy Rowan, a talented flautist from Moffat, Scotland, who will be joining the Commonwealth Resounds team for our upcoming trip to Antigua. Lucy is currently an undergraduate student at the Royal College of Music (RCM), studying with Gitte Marcusson and Emer McDonough as a Leverhulme Scholar.

A New Musical Journey

Lucy’s passion for music is evident through her charismatic playing and dedication to showcasing the diverse repertoire of the flute. She has performed with various ensembles at RCM, including the Philharmonic, Repertoire Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble, and has participated in numerous chamber music concerts and external events. Additionally, she is the principal flute of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland’s Symphony Orchestra and plays with the Odyssey Festival Orchestra. Before college, Lucy was a flautist in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.

Before starting her studies in London, Lucy was a pupil of Sheena Gordon at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Junior Department and studied at the Music School of Douglas Academy. She spent 10 years at the Junior Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, developing her skills and passion for music.

Lucy is also a keen chamber musician and a founding member of the Taleggio Ensemble, a wind quintet and piano ensemble, as well as the Apollo Duo for flute and harp. She has engaged internationally, working with Professor Mario Caroli at the Saline Royal Academy in France and attending the Flautissimo International Flute Festival in 2021 and 2023. In September 2024, Lucy will attend the Conservatoire de Paris for an ERASMUS+ programme, studying with Philippe Bernold.

“I believe spending this time teaching and collaborating with young people in Antigua will be a life-changing experience and will give me a completely new perspective on classical music and its importance around the world. The freedom and creativity that comes with making music as a young person is so special! After having met the Antigua & Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra in London, I am very excited to see them again and I look forward to seeing the result of their musicians creativity and hard work!”

Wondering what is happening in the photos? Click on the photos above to find out more about what you can see.

Find out more about our 2024 Antigua Trip

Introducing Ka Youn Yoo

Introducing Ka Youn Yoo

Meet Ka Youn Yoo

We are pleased to introduce Ka Youn Yoo, an exceptionally talented composer from South Korea, as one of our key tutors for the upcoming Commonwealth Resounds initiatives. Ka Youn has just graduated with a master’s degree in Composition for Screen from the Royal College of Music (RCM).

Her compositions have earned her international recognition, with premieres at prestigious venues such as Cadogan Hall in London, The Korean Ministry of Unification (대한민국 통일부) and National Gugak Center (국립국악원) in South Korea, Dobříš Castle in the Czech Republic, and Government House in Antigua and Barbuda. Her global experiences and innovative approach to music make her a remarkable addition to our team.

Global Recognition

Ka Youn is actively involved in the film industry, working on several short films with emerging directors in both the UK and Korea. She is represented by Lemon Sound, a notable music production company based in South Korea. This collaboration highlights her dynamic range and ability to bridge different cultural and artistic landscapes.

This will be Ka Youn’s second tour of Antigua and Barbuda, where she will once again contribute her expertise and passion for music to inspire young musicians on the island. Her return is highly anticipated, and we are excited about the creative energy she will bring to our workshops and performances.

Revisiting the islands

Ka Youn is returning to Antigua & Barbuda for her third tour, having been a member of the composition team where she led training sessions for teachers in the island. This year, Ka Youn will lead workshops in film composition, supporting students from across the Caribbean. We look forward to the incredible impact she will have on the young musicians of Antigua and Barbuda.

Wondering what is happening in the photos? Click on the photos above to find out more about what you can see.

Find out more about our 2024 Antigua Trip

The Antigua Team: Meet Lily

The Antigua Team: Meet Lily

The Antigua Team: Meet Lily Hesper-Dugdale

Meet Lily, a talented Clarinetist from The Royal College of Music
Find out more about our 2024 Antigua Trip

Lily Hesper-Dugdale

We are delighted to welcome Lily Hesper-Dugdale, a talented clarinettist from the Royal College of Music (RCM), to our upcoming trip to Antigua. Lily is currently halfway through her undergraduate degree at RCM, where she studies as a Douglas and Hilda Simmonds Scholar under the guidance of Timothy Lines and Richard Hosford. This September, she will begin an exchange placement at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna for one semester.

Lily had the opportunity to meet and perform with some of the young musicians from the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra at Marlborough House, London, in October 2023. She expressed her excitement about the upcoming trip: “I had the pleasure of meeting and performing with some of the young musicians from the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra in October 2023, and I am really looking forward to working with them again. Their musical experiences are incredibly inspiring, and I can’t wait to learn more from them.”

The Antigua trip will feature a series of workshops and performances aimed at fostering creativity and musical growth among young musicians.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Lily’s journey as a clarinettist has been marked by notable achievements, including being a finalist at Guildhall’s Lutine Prize. Her dedication to her craft and her vibrant approach to performance make her a valuable addition to the Commonwealth Resounds team.

During the trip, Lily will engage with young musicians, offering guidance and inspiration to help them explore their musical potential. She aims to create an environment where creativity can flourish and where young musicians feel empowered to experiment with new styles and ideas.

The Commonwealth Resounds is excited to have Lily on board for this impactful initiative. Her presence will undoubtedly enrich the experience for all participants and contribute to the overarching goal of fostering a love for music and creative expression in young people.

Wondering what is happening in the photos? Click on the photos above to find out more about what you can see.

Find out more about our 2024 Antigua Trip

Return to Antigua and Barbuda

Return to Antigua and Barbuda

A Symphony of Cultures: Our Return to Antigua

The Commonwealth Resounds: Returning to Antigua & Barbuda

Join us as we embark on another inspiring chapter of musical exploration and collaboration with the talented youth of Antigua & Barbuda.

Anticipating Our Return

A New Chapter in Antigua & Barbuda

We are thrilled to announce our return to the beautiful shores of Antigua & Barbuda this summer! Our previous journey was filled with unforgettable moments, from teaching recorder in Barbuda to witnessing the incredible dedication of young musicians. This year, we aim to build on the foundations laid last year with advanced composition workshops, rehearsals, and performances of new pieces. Our collaborative projects will involve both returning students and new faces, ensuring a diverse and enriching experience for all participants. Antigua and Barbuda will be welcoming students from Montserrat and St Kitts & Nevis to join 20 young Antiguan students in this unique project, the first ever to happen in the Caribbean. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach our departure date.

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Memories from Our Last Visit

Antigua & Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra

Unforgettable Moments

A Journey of Musical Inspiration

Our previous visit to Antigua was nothing short of magical. We had the privilege of teaching recorder to eager students in Barbuda, witnessing their rapid progress and unbridled enthusiasm. The dedication and passion of these young musicians was truly inspiring, leaving a lasting impression on our team.

One of the highlights was the first ever Symphony Orchestra concert on Barbuda, where the energy and excitement was palpable. The enchanting rehearsals at iconic venues like the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium added to the unforgettable experience, creating memories that will stay with us forever.

Upcoming Plans

Building on Success

The warm reception from the local community in Antigua was heartwarming and encouraging. The evident musical potential on the islands was a testament to the talent and dedication of the young musicians we had the pleasure of working with. Their enthusiasm and commitment to learning and growing musically was truly remarkable.

This summer, we have an exciting lineup of activities planned. Our team of dedicated composers and musicians will be conducting advanced workshops, diving deeper into the intricacies of musical creation. Composition will be a key focus, as we work closely with young musicians from Antigua & Barbuda, Montserrat and St Kitts & Nevis to refine their skills and prepare for a stunning performance of new music by young people at the end of the week.